Canvas, covers and upholstery: from measuring to fitting

Two things decide how long canvas lasts: the quality of the fabric and the accuracy of the measurement. At Care the measurement is taken on your boat, the fabric brand and length are stated in the quote, and fitting is done with a trial. Your template is kept on file - years later, a renewal is finished in half the time, with no need to measure again.

Scope

Bimini & sprayhood

Sun and spray protection; frame repair included

Winter covers & sleeves

The cheapest insurance for wintering: full cover in a breathable fabric

Deck cushions

Seating and sunbathing cushions; marine foam and covering

Interior upholstery

Saloon and cabin upholstery, curtains and trims

Clear windbreaks

Clear vinyl panels, zipped access systems

Repair & renewal

Stitching, zips, thread renewal - without a full replacement

How it works

On-site measuring

A template is taken on the boat; colour and type are chosen together from fabric samples.

Written quote

Fabric brand, length and accessory items in writing; if a repair is an option, that is offered first.

Fitting with a trial

After the trial the fitting is photographed; the template is filed to the archive and logged to your file.

Tools

Choose the right fabric

Comparison

Marine acrylic or PVC cover fabric?

Feature	Marine acrylic (Sunbrella class)	PVC cover fabric
Breathability	High - low mould risk	Low
UV resistance	Very good	Good
Appearance	Fabric texture, matt	Glossy, plastic
Typical use	Bimini, sprayhood, cushions	Winter cover, heavy protection
Lifespan	5-10 years (with care)	Varies with use

The quote states the fabric brand and length; on a winter cover, breathable fabric prevents damp damage.

A yacht deck with the bimini rigged, guardrails and a tender on davits — Canvas and upholstery are measured together with the rest of the deck; mounting points decide their life as much as the stitching.

See the proof

Example job: 12 m motor yacht winter cover

On-site template, full cover in breathable fabric, delivered with a trial. The template was archived - the next renewal won't need measuring again. (Real case photos will be added at launch.)

On-site templateDelivered with a trialTemplate on file

FAQ

Which fabrics do you use?+

Depending on where it's used, marine acrylic (Sunbrella class) and PVC-based cover fabrics. The quote states the fabric brand and length; if you'd like the difference, we give an alternative price.

How long does canvas last?+

5-10 years, depending on fabric quality, tension and care. An annual check catches stitching and tension problems early - a small stitch repair defers the cost of new canvas for years.

Should I repair the old canvas or have new made?+

We look at the repair option first: if the fabric is sound, renewing the stitching/zip is often enough. If a renewal is needed you see the reason in writing in the quote - the 'not recommended' line applies here too.

Is canvas enough for winter, or is a cover essential?+

A bimini isn't winter protection: snow, rain and UV call for a full winter cover. On a boat wintering afloat, a cover plus proper ventilation is the cheapest guard against damp damage.

How is the price determined?+

The measurement (length), fabric class and accessories (zips, windows, frame work) decide it. Once the measurement is taken the price is fixed; no surprise extras appear at fitting.

On this topic: guides & glossary

For those wondering about the terms: the guide and glossary entries below explain this service in depth.